How to Teach a Child Times Tables

In this age of high-end electronics, calculators and all kinds of gadgets that can help with academic work, there are still some things that all chilren and adults should know. One of which is the times tables. Multiplication is the basic foundation of most math problems. In fact, by middle school or junior high, students should know them instinctively. Knowing times tables will help a student succeed in math throughout their entire school career. Read more to learn how to teach your child a skill she will need for the rest of her life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Three by five cards
• Computer with Internet access

1. Start the process orally. The great thing about this is that you don't have to set aside extra time to do it. You can work on the exercise in the car or over the dinner table. Start with the easy tables: 0's, 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's. Say to you child "We're going to learn our 0's and 1's today". Explain the rules to your child. Once he seems to understand the rules, go over the 0's and 1's. First in order and then mix them up. You should be able to get the 0's and 1's down in a matter of minutes.

2. Complete step one with the other tables. Go over each set of tables. Then, mix them up. Say: "2 x 4" and have your child provide an answer. If your child can't answer within two or three seconds, give your child the answer. Then, repeat the exact same one two or three times before going on. Go back to that one frequently until she appears to have it. Once your child appears to have that set of tables down, mix up all the tables she has done so far. Make sure she knows everything you've gone over. Do not start on another set of tables until your child appears to have that set down.

3. Make flashcards using the 3 x 5 cards of the times tables. Once a day, for fifteen to thirty minutes a day, review the tables using the cards. If your child gets the answer to a problem with no hesitation the first time, put that card aside. You don't have to review it again that day. If she hesitates at all, put the card back in the stack and go over it again. The next time you work on the tables orally, remember the ones your child had difficulty with and focus on them.

4. Print copies of practice multiplication worksheets for your child to perform. Make sure you stick with the time limit given or impose your own time limit. Once the time is over, see how your child did. See which problems your child missed. Also, if he didn't complete the sheet, determine which problems your child struggled to answer. Work on those problems, both orally and through the use of the flash cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the simplicity of the 0's and 1's times tables, you may not need to make flash cards for them. However, continue to occasionally go over them to ensure understanding.
• You can always make up your own multiplication worksheets or purchase a workbook of practice sheets from a school supply store.
• Review the old stuff before moving on to the new stuff.

Resources

• Printable Multiplication Worksheets and Flash Card

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